Chronicle April 2016

28 ST EDWARD’S CHRONICLE

Boys’ Hockey By Zak Jones, Head of Hockey

players’ player. Bruno Aldridge ( Vinehall )and Rory Saldhana ( Dragon ) were consistently exciting in attack, setting up many goals, and Harry Woodall ( Davenies ) and Joe Courtier ( Twyford ) were the most improved players of the season, holding the defensive line and making decisive tackles. The U15As had a mixed season in terms of results, but one which was important for their development both as a team and as individuals. They showed promise in all their fixtures and recorded notable victories over Stowe and Wellington as well as tight one-goal defeats to Cheltenham, Radley and Dean Close; Harry Power ( St Hugh’s ) and Will Monks ( Moulsford Prep ) were stand out players throughout the season, along with Max Liddy ( Dragon ) who was the top goal scorer. The U15Bs battled hard all season against some very strong opposition but still managed to record a couple of impressive wins against Cheltenham and Bloxham. The U14As endured a very tough season, losing all 10 matches. Despite this, they improved as hockey players throughout the term due to their positive attitudes at training and during matches. They always worked hard and never gave up despite some heavy losses, on which many opposing coaches have complimented them. Felix Parr ( Christ

Church Cathedral ) showed huge improvements in goal with his stand out performance against Marlborough and Felix Burton ( Dragon ) captained the side well, organising the other players and always looking positively at performances to encourage his peers. The U14B team fought bravely this season, with all but two results going down to the wire. The squad had no previous seasons from which to work, but their efforts to gel as a team were rewarded with some fine performances that improved hugely as the term progressed. Their highlights included draws against Bradfield and Abingdon as well as a win against Bloxham. The side were underpinned by the hard graft of players such as Isaac Brennan ( Dragon ), Mfon Awak- Essien ( St Paul’s Cathedral ), Michael Denvir ( Dragon ) and goal keeper SamWard ( New College ) amongst others. The U14C team have had a very enjoyable season and they always demonstrated great enthusiasm and energy in both training and matches. As a team they have achieved some fantastic results, with draws against Radley and Marlborough and an outstanding win against Bloxham. Over the season they have progressed and developed into talented hockey players with player of the season Jonathan Battaliou ( Gayhurst ) performing consistently well throughout.

It has not been a vintage year for the hockey club and the 1st XI were not immune from this. In a season plagued by serious injuries and illness, the side battled hard and showed great spirit and resolve but just could not find the elusive wins that some of their performances deserved. There were a couple of heavy losses, a number of agonisingly close defeats - to Bloxham, Marlborough and Stowe - as well as impressive draws with Radley and Bradfield. Captian James Woodcock ( Dulwich Prep London ) was outstanding throughout and led by example. He was ably supported by Angus Atkinson ( Dragon ) who excelled at centre back and Tanaka Chitsenga ( Dragon ) who was superb between the posts. The season also saw the rise of U15 Toby MacLachlan ( Moulsford Prep ) who grew into 1st XI hockey and by the end of the season was one of the stand-out players. The 2nd XI, captained by James Bazeley ( Cottesmore ), also endured a very challenging season against tough opposition. Highlights included the performances against Radley and Stowe despite the end results. Theo Barker ( Thomas’s, Battersea ) was consistently composed in defence with Noah Smith ( Dragon ) notable for his work rate in midfield. The 3rd XI had a tough season against some very good teams but showed admirable commitment and enthusiasm throughout resulting in some well fought matches and a few great goals. Captain Yves Rowe ( St Hugh’s ) proved to be a ‘rock’ in defence, as was Kian Akhavan ( International School, Florence ) whose enthusiasm and fearlessness in goal was an inspiration in many matches. The U16As enjoyed a positive season, recording fine wins over Bloxham, Bradfield and Wellington as well as a hard fought draw with Cheltenham. The U16Bs trained hard and played incredibly well together throughout the season. They got off to a winning start against Abingdon in the first match of the season with top goal scorer Harvey Elvidge ( Sussex House ) scoring two excellent goals in a 3-1 victory. The boys went on to finish the season with the best record in the hockey club, with five wins, two draws and only two losses. Jack Verschoyle ( Lambrook ) captained the team with energy and ended the term as the

Simon Hipwell

U16As v Cheltenham in January